Nicole Simmons, 732-872-0111, Policy@cleanoceanaction.org

Shark River Dredging Update

     The Shark River Environmental Planning Committee has postponed the submittal of their Dredged Material Management Plan to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT) in order to revise the Draft and submit it again for public comment.

Interim Report on Development of Offshore Wind Turbines

     In response to several proposals to develop wind facilities off New Jersey’s coast, Acting NJ Governor Codey established the Panel and charged the group with “identifying and weighing the costs and benefits of developing offshore wind turbine facilities.”  Public hearings were held and public comments accepted with the expectation of interim and final reports.  On November 30th, the Blue Ribbon Panel released an Interim Report (see www.njwindpanel.org). 

     According to Edward J. McKenna, Jr., Chair of the Panel, “[t]his interim report represents our progress to date toward meeting the Governor’s mandate…[and] provides a summary and analysis of the Panel’s objective findings.  During the next phase of our work, we will seek public input on the content, accuracy, and scope of these findings before deliberations begin on the specific policy recommendations to be included in the final report that will be forwarded to Governor-elect Jon S. Corzine next March.”   COA is reviewing the Interim Report and appendices in detail.  However, no recommendations were made.  Rather, in general, the Interim Report informs the debate by:

• providing better insight into the opportunities and problems
• identifying significant issues for ocean resources,
• detailing benefits and coast of offshore wind turbines.

     Another round of public hearings will be held to accept public comments on the interim report.  The first meeting is Tuesday, December 20, 2005, from 6-9pm at the State House Annex, Committee Room 1, Trenton, NJ.  Another meeting will be scheduled in January in Toms River.  Visit the Panel’s website for dates and updates.